Feeling Empty? Here’s What Science Says About Apathy

You wake up one morning, and everything that once meant something now feels meaningless. It’s not laziness or procrastination – it’s deeper than that. You might find yourself wondering why you can’t seem to muster the energy to care about work, relationships, or even your well-being. This overwhelming indifference has a name: apathy. While it can be quite distressing, it’s essential to know that such a state is not forever. Knowing what causes this and how to address the issue will allow you to start reclaiming your purpose and joy. 

Read More: Apathy and its Impact on Modern Life

Understanding Apathy 

Apathy is an emotional, mental, and sometimes state of physical detachment. It’s more than “feeling blah” for one or two days; rather, it is a prolonged lack of interest in something that had once brought excitement or even fulfilment. Unlike boredom, apathy implies the presence of a need for stimulation; otherwise, it would just not exist. Apathy, however, tends to be more like an emptiness where desire previously lived. It can go into any aspect – from pursuing your goals, engaging in your relationships, or even taking care of yourself. 

What is Causing Apathy? 

Apathy does not pop out of nowhere, as there are usually much deeper causes. Here are some of the most common causes of apathy: 

1. Burnout 

It is very easy to feel overwhelmed and drained when you are constantly juggling responsibilities. When chronic stress exhausts an individual physically, emotionally, and mentally, it can be termed burnout. For example, the stress of studying for finals with part-time work leaves a college student so exhausted that they finds little interest in either his or her academic success or personal hobbies (Maslach et al., 2001). 

2. Depression 

One of the common manifestations of depression is disinterest in the pleasurable activities of life. In contrast to sadness, depression creates emotional flatness, and unlike sadness, depression can be present all through. If you find that you have become indifferent to all those things that used to excite you – like listening to music, the time spent with loved ones, or the achievement of milestones – then that may be a sign of depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). 

3. Trauma or Grief 

Trauma or the loss of a loved one can be such a reason for emotional shutdown as a coping mechanism. For example, a person who has lost a parent may feel overwhelmed with emotions initially and then move into a state of numbness, where they feel disconnected from life in general (Bonanno, 2004). 

4. Unrealistic Expectations 

Modern society is marked by high achievements. Social media is infested with images of the perfect life: exciting vacation trips, great careers, and ideal relationships. Once the reality of one’s life is compared to the ideal, a person gets dejected and hopeless.

5. Health Issues 

Another relationship between physical diseases, for instance, hypothyroidism or chronic fatigue syndrome, and apathy exists mainly because of a shift in energy and mood. In addition to this, neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s also may lead to apathy due to brain malfunctioning (Chau et al., 2015). 

6. Lifestyle Factors 

Neglecting your body can have a profound effect on your mental condition. For example, when you don’t eat or consume junk, nutrient deficiency can occur which leads to the poor working of your brain. Similarly, a lack of sleep and a lack of exercise can lead to feeling lazy and disinterested (Sarris et al., 2014). 

Read More: Understanding Grief: Navigating the Complex Emotions, Cognitions, and Behaviors

How Does Apathy Feel? 

Apathy makes life feel like a movie where you play the role of a simple spectator. You do something that once excited you – for example, watching your favourite show, hanging around with friends, or undertaking personal projects – and it appears meaningless. Even friendships grow to seem chilly. You begin avoiding certain calls from friends or have trouble empathizing with whatever problems your loved one is facing. Gradually, people start feeling a sense of isolation mixed with guilt. 

How to Come Out of the Cycle 

Apathy may be a trap, but it is not a permanent disease. Here are some steps that you can take to overcome apathy: 

• Recognize Your Emotions: It is normal to feel frustrated or ashamed about your lack of care, but suppressing these emotions only makes things worse. Instead, try acknowledging your feelings. For example, journaling about your apathy can help you process it without judgment (Neff, 2011). 
• Rekindle Your Interests: Think back to the things that used to make you happy. Was it painting? Playing a sport? Watching stand-up comedy? Even if these things don’t feel enjoyable right now, try engaging with them again. Often, just going through the motions can reignite your passion over time. 
• Practice Gratitude: Indifference can make you look past the good things about your life. You might try to keep a journal where you write down three things you are thankful for every day. For instance, something like waking up to sunshine or hearing a kind word from a friend (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). 
• Identify the Cause: Take some time to reflect on what might be triggering your apathy. Is it related to work stress? Relationship struggles? Physical health? For instance, if you’ve recently undergone a significant life change, like moving to a new city, your apathy might stem from loneliness or uncertainty. 
• Seek Support: Apathy can also be alienating, and you are not alone when dealing with such a case. Go out to communicate with a trustworthy friend or family member. You can also decide to communicate with a psychologist who may guide you on individualized steps toward overcoming apathy (Rogers, 1961). 
• Take Small Steps: When you’re feeling indifferent, even small tasks can feel insurmountable. Start small. For example, commit to brushing your teeth, drinking a glass of water, or stepping outside for five minutes. These tiny actions can create a ripple effect, gradually increasing your sense of accomplishment (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983). 
• Caring for Your Body: There is a close link between physical health and mental well-being. Ensure a balanced diet, be active, and sleep sufficiently. For instance, a diet rich in food products containing high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids like fish or walnuts might be beneficial in enhancing brain functions and mood (Sarris et al., 2014). 

Read More: Gratitude and its Impact on Mental Health

When to Seek Professional Help 

While many instances of apathy can be controlled with home treatment, professional help is needed when: 

• It affects your ability to perform daily chores. 
• You have been experiencing the symptoms for weeks or even months.
• It is accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. 

Your physician or psychiatrist can provide guidance on whether your lack of interest in activities is a mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, and give treatment for it. 

Read More: How to Define Success for Yourself: The Power of Personal Goals

Getting Motivation Again 

Recovery from apathy is a long and gruelling process, but it can be achieved. Along the way, you might have to open yourself up to trying new hobbies, meeting new people, and reassessing your life goals. For instance, volunteering for a cause you believe in will help you reconnect with your values and find fulfilment. Remember, life is filled with ups and downs. When apathy creeps in, so does joy and excitement. Trust that better days are ahead. 

Conclusion 

Apathy almost feels like you don’t care about anything. It makes you feel very confused and lonely, too. This is not something that cannot be reversed, though. You can liberate yourself from this type of apathy by first realizing your feelings, ascertaining what the actual cause is, and starting with some baby steps towards changing it. Most importantly, you do not have to face this alone. You can always find support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.